Balfour, Robert H. “Bob” – Obituary

Robert H. “Bob” Balfour, 73, of Baker City, died Jan. 6, 2005, at his home of congestive heart failure and diabetes.

His funeral was at 1 p.m. today at the Baker City Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints 2nd Ward, 2625 Hughes Lane. Bishop David Richards officiated.

Visitations were from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m today in the Relief Society Room of the LDS church.

Bob was born on Oct. 25, 1931, at Ogden, Utah, to William Henry and Mildred Bryson Balfour. He married Charlotte Gail Pointer. The couple later divorced.

Bob married Margaret Ann Riding on Feb. 21, 1986. The marriage later was solemnized in the Boise Temple.

Bob joined the U.S. Army at the age of 14 on Aug. 19, 1946, was discharged Oct. 7, 1949. He joined again on Sept. 13, 1950, and was discharged on Sept. 12, 1953.

He served in the Korean War and was considered a World War II veteran. He earned the World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Metal, Japan, Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He retired from Tooele Army Depot on Feb. 3, 1988, as a heavy equipment operator. He loved to camp and fish. He loved to go out and look at wild birds, wildflowers and wild animals. He loved to go find bald eagles.

Bob was an avid gardener and always had a beautiful yard. He served for many years in the Moose Lodge as governor and secretary.

He was an active member of the LDS Church and served for a time as the secretary of the High Priest Group. He loved the church and had a very strong testimony.

Survivors include, Margaret, his wife and eternal companion; his sons, Edward Balfour, Mertis Balfour and Robert Balfour Jr.; stepchildren, Trudy Claiborne and Tari Wright; two brothers, Bill Balfour and John Balfour and his wife, Lorie; sister, Lorrie Perkins; three grandchildren, Alice, Robert and Tyler; and two stepgrandchildren, Kevin and Geoffrey Claiborne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Carl Bowman; sister-in-law, Louise; brother-in-law, Alan; and stepgranddaughter, Becky Booth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with Bob’s services through Gray’s West & Co., P.O. Box 726, Baker City, OR 97814.